Canberra Frees Up Conditions For Free-To-Air Broadcasters

Ahead of tomorrow’s Budget announcements, the Turnbull Government has revealed plans to free up conditions surrounding Australia’s free-to-air broadcasting sector and impose restrictions on TV and online gambling advertising.

For the free-to-air broadcasters – who have been increasingly struggling to keep pace with the rapidly expanding online world – a major prize is to be the abolition of broadcasting licence fees and datacasting charges.

These fees currently raise around $130 million for the Government from TV and radio licence holders.

The Government will also repeal the “two out of three” and 75 percent audience reach media ownership rules, which effectively prevent broadcasters from moving into new areas across the nation.

Other reforms announced at the weekend include a “comprehensive” review of children’s content measures; amending the anti-siphoning scheme which regulates media companies’ access to significant sporting events; $30 million funding for increased coverage of women’s sport on subscription TV; and possible lower fees for the spectrum used by broadcast operators.